Nespresso vs. Keurig: Which Coffee Maker is Better?

Both Nespresso and Keurig machines are more popular than ever. These single-cup brewers have a devoted following, whether it’s for the speedy drip coffee from a Keurig or the no-fuss espresso from a Nespresso. And, while we don’t recommend either for coffee geeks (an automatic drip brewer or espresso machine can brew much better coffee), there are some key differences between the two that are worth highlighting, if you’re considering buying one. 

What’s the Difference Between Nespresso and Keurig? 

Keurig machines were launched in 1998 as a single-serve option to eliminate pots of coffee sitting on burners for hours in office settings, while Nespresso debuted in 1986 as an alternative way to prepare espresso without the need for expensive equipment and extensive training.

Keurig machines can brew a variety of drip coffee volumes from the same size capsule (often with added options for bolder strength levels or iced coffee settings), while Nespresso brewers specialize in espresso shots. Nespresso models from the Vertuo line can also make coffee-ish drinks (more like Americanos, honestly), and a few even come with a milk frother for steaming cappuccinos or lattes. 

While many different coffee companies offer their own versions of K-Cups (the name for the style of capsules used in a Keurig), including reusable options, Nespresso capsules tend to be more limited. Original-line machines can take pods from a variety of brands and white labels, but Nespresso's Vertuo pods are proprietary and only licensed to a few limited producers.

How Do Nespresso and Keurig Work?

Keurig and Nespresso machines operate similarly: you place a capsule in the machine, hit start, and the mechanics inside do the rest. As fully automated single-cup brewers, all you need to do is fill the water reservoir, replace the capsule, and select your preferred cup size.

Both Keurig and Nespresso machines use pressure to speed up the brewing process, but they go about it in different ways. Keurig machines employ a low-power water pump to lightly pressurize each K-Cup to brew coffee quickly. In order to produce an espresso-strength beverage, the Nespresso Vertuo line (including our favorite Nespresso machine, after testing) operates at a much higher pressure than a Keurig machine, spinning its capsules up to 7,000 revolutions per minute. It’s a unique approach, and a change-up from the high-pressure pumps in Nespresso’s Original machines. 

Another key difference between Keurigs and Nespressos is that most Nespresso machines dump their spent capsules into a built-in bin, allowing you to dispose of them in bulk rather than having to manually remove the spent capsule every time, like in a Keurig.  

What About Price?

Most Keurig machines run between $70 and $150, while Nespressos usually start at $150. (Some fancier models cost more than $600!) Both are generally more expensive than the average drip coffee maker, though some of the best brewers tend to run a little higher.

The price per serving, however, is much higher with Keurig and Nespresso machines compared to drip coffee. The average Keurig capsule costs around $.75 per serving, while Nespresso Vertuo capsules are around $1.20 per cup. Most coffees from specialty coffee roasters price out around $0.50 to $0.60 per serving.

Environmental Impact

There’s no getting around it: single-serve coffee machines produce a lot of waste. While Keurig’s K-Cups are now made with more recyclable plastic, there’s very little evidence that plastic is ever recycled. Nespresso pods are aluminum, and while aluminum is much more recyclable than plastic, the pods have a silicone lining and need to be mailed back to Nespresso, which manages its own recycling program. Even then, there’s evidence that many pods are just tossed in the garbage, anyway. 

Neither brewer is a great option if you’re looking to reduce your waste. Keurig does offer reusable capsules that you fill with your own coffee, but they create the type of work most people wanted to avoid by buying a Keurig in the first place (and you’re still left with a low-quality brew).  Nespresso still wins on this front for users who take the time to collect their pods and return them for recycling. 

Does Nespresso or Keurig Brew Better Coffee?

While Keurig machines tend to brew a weak, bitter version of drip coffee, most Nespresso capsules are strong and taste very darkly roasted. Neither machine can brew a great-tasting coffee when compared to drip coffee makers, pour-over, or espresso machines. 

There is a wider variety of K-Cup options available, which means that people can find a roast style that appeals more to their flavor preferences. This is not so for Nespresso, which features limited options. One saving grace for the Nespresso is that its dark, bitter-tasting espresso stands out well in milk, making a fair approximation of a latte that's similar to what you might find at a chain like Starbucks (which uses dark-roasted coffee and superautomatic espresso machines). 

What’s a Good Alternative to Nespresso or Keurig?

One of our favorite drip coffee makers comes with a smaller filter basket that allows it to dispense a single cup at a time—and the coffee is actually fantastic. If you don't want to take my word for it, it's also certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, so you know your brews will be top-notch.

People who want to invest more time and education into their coffee can find a number of manual single-serve coffee brewers as well. The Aeropress, especially when paired with a Prismo attachment, can make great espresso-style coffee for those who don’t mind a little tinkering. And the Kalita Wave 155 is a great pour-over option designed for smaller brews. 

There are also single-cup options that aren’t reliant on machines, like high-end instant coffee. If you have a favorite local roaster already, there’s a chance they might have vetted instant options available. These tend to be more expensive than Nespresso capsules and K-Cups, though, so they might not be the best for everyday use (though they are great for camping).

FAQs

What's better, Nespresso vs. Keurig?

Nespresso machines and capsules are both more expensive than Keurig machines and K-Cups, and there aren’t as many options to choose from. However, Nespresso does produce espresso-style coffees (which Keurig can’t).

What's more environmentally friendly, Nespresso pods vs. K-Cups?

Nespresso pods have a leg up here. They're made primarily from aluminum, which is recyclable. However, a silicone lining on the pod means it can't be put in your recycling bin at home. Mail the pods back to Nespresso, where they can be properly recycled.

Why are Nespresso pods so bitter?

Nespresso capsules are made with darkly roasted coffee, which verges on charred, making them taste bitter. Nespresso capsules also create bitter coffee because of the ratio of coffee to water—pre-portioned capsules are often brewed with too much water, which extracts more of the bitterness from the coffee.

Do you have to clean Nespresso and Keurig machines?

Nespresso machines and Keurig machines both need cleaning to avoid any mildew or scale build-up inside the machine itself. Nespresso has its own specific instructions for cleaning and descaling, and Keurig does as well. We recommend you follow their instructions and use their recommended cleaning and descaling powders, since each machine is unique and might not respond to other descaling or cleaning methods we recommend for drip brewers.

Why We're the Experts

• Jesse Raub was a writer for Serious Eats. He worked in the specialty coffee industry for more than 15 years.
• Jesse wrote our reviews of espresso machines, handheld coffee grinders, and more, and used his expert knowledge to research the workings of Nespresso and Keurig machines for this article.